House Bill 296

Chair's Name: Austin Scott

Committee: Governmental Affairs

House Sponsor: Jeff May

This bill streamlines special elections which present ballot questions and seeks to maximize voter participation by selecting certain dates on which these special elections can be held.  In even-numbered years, these special elections may only be held on the general primary date and the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. In odd-numbered years, these special elections can only be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The call for the special election must be issued at least 29 days before these dates.

Chairman Scott’s opinion of the legislation: 

This bill limits the number of dates in which a question can be put before the voters on a ballot in order to increase voter turnout on ballot questions and thereby better ensure the will of the people is expressed.

This committee substitute comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.